hey guys. here's my problem. i'm trying to change the u joints in my front axle. 4 bolts are stripped out from the PO. i've tried the correct size allen key, pounding a screwdriver bit in, easy outs (snapped off). i've been using penetrating oil (swear i heard it laugh at me). i'm not worried about hub body damage as i'll be installing warn units next summer. i need to change the joints before winter tho. and before it gets any colder. thanks . i've got this over on the off road page as well.

 

RedInline6

The only thing I could think to do in this situation, is to use a drill bit the size of the bolt opening in the hub face and drill into the screw opening to where you will cut away the head of the screw.

 

yep drilling them out worked for me, just make sure you drill straight in and not into the chrome outer piece.

 

that's what i figured. thanks guys. well off to the harware store!

 

i just had the same ordeal. i took the truck to shop they told me to do joints was 44$ part 550$ labor. i just laughed. took truck home did it myself. be aware that the spindles will probally be rusted yo mught want to soak them overnight before removing. i had all but one allen bolt strip. had to drill 9 out. be carefull and do it slow. you can get replacement bolt kit for 5.00 for set of 5. hope this helps!

 

Had to do the very same as everybody else on my '83. once you get the heads off of the bolts, you can pull the hub off then turn them out with visegrips. i found that the bolts were seized in the cap not actually where they screw in. good luck.

 

If you're not terribly concerned about changing the temper of the metal, heat from a torch works wonders to get bolts out